We use cookies to collect and analyse information on site performance and usage, and to enhance and
customise content and advertisements. By clicking "OK" or by clicking into any content on this site, you
agree to allow cookies to be placed. To find out more visit the cookies section of our
privacy policy.

Dahlin and Bøygard to stand for International Biathlon Union President

Sweden's Olle Dahlin and Norwegian Tore Bøygard have emerged as the first two candidates to replace Anders Besseberg as President of the International Biathlon Union (IBU).

Dahlin, currently the IBU vice-president for development, and former Norwegian Biathlon Association (NSSF) President Bøygard have both announced their intention to stand for the top job.

It remains possible that others may come forward before the June 7 deadline.

The election is scheduled to take place at the IBU Congress in Poreč in Croatia from September 5 to 10.

Dahlin and Bøygard are both standing to take over from Besseberg, who stood down as IBU President after he was implicated in a criminal investigation along with former secretary general Nicole Resch, which centres on possible doping, fraud and corruption.

Besseberg and Resch are suspected of accepting bribes amounting to $300,000 (£210,000/€240,000) and other benefits in return for a favourable stance towards Russia - but deny wrongdoing.

It is alleged that 65 doping cases involving Russian biathletes were concealed, starting in 2011.

Dahlin, elected an IBU vice-president in 2014 and a member of the Swedish Olympic Committee Executive Board, and Bøygard have been put forward by their respective Federations.

Besseberg, President of IBU since 1992, had claimed he would not run for re-election if a suitable candidate came forward before he was forced to resign following the corruption investigation.

Besseberg had cast doubt on Bøygard's suitability to be his successor owing to the Norwegian's age of 65.

Bøygard dismissed the suggestion from his 72-year-old compatriot that he was too old for the role.

Bøygard, who served as NSSF President for 10 years, and his Swedish challenger have both cited improvements in the IBU's anti-doping operation as one of their key aims should they be elected President.

"We must exploit this crisis, look ahead and build trust in the organisation," said Dahlin.

The scandal involving the former IBU leadership prompted the worldwide governing body to initiate a restructure of its administration.

Germany's Felix Bitterling was appointed sport director, while Christian Winkler is due to take over as communications director from June 1.

Further changes are expected in the coming months amid an attempt from the IBU to repair its reputation.

About the author

Since joining insidethegames.biz, in 2015 Liam Morgan has covered a variety of international multi-sport events and conferences, including the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and the Lillehammer 2016 Winter Youth Olympics. He also reported from the 2017 IOC Session in Lima and three editions of the FIFA Congress. He graduated from Southampton Solent University in 2014 with a BA First Class honours degree in Sports Journalism.

inside the photos

Fact of the day

At the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Iranian judoka Arash Miresmaeili was disqualified for weighing in at nearly four pounds above the limit for his weight class of his under-66 kilograms match against an Israeli opponent Ehud Vaks in the first round. It was claimed Miresmaeili had gone on an eating binge to protest the International Olympic Committee's recognition of the state of Israel. Iran does not recognise the state of Israel, and Miresmaeili's actions won praise from high-ranking Iranian officials. Mohammad Khatami, the country's President at the time, was quoted as saying Miresmaili's actions would be "recorded in the history of Iranian glories". He was later awarded $125,000 by the Government - the same amount given to Olympic gold medallists.

Featured Job

This position is responsible for expanding exposure of the UFC brand in its region and ensuring the effective integration of online and offline marketing campaigns. The ultimate goal is enlarging UFC fan base in the region and supporting UFC's business development in the market. The position will work daily with UFC media, social media, and sponsorship teams.

The Big Read

International Skating Union President Jan Dijkema has had to deal with emergence of rival, independent, commercial competitions which has seen the whole European sports model challenged but, as the Dutchman told Mike Rowbottom, he is confident that his sport has a bright future